Multi-game table assembly

ABSTRACT

A game table assembly for playing the games of billiards and air hockey comprises a game table including an air hockey game playing surface and opposing air hockey goals. The game table defines a plurality of billiard pockets and includes a plurality of billiard bumpers positioned between the pockets. The bumpers and the air hockey game playing surface create a peripheral gap therebetween. The game table assembly further includes a cover positionable over the air hockey game playing surface to create a billiards game playing surface. Edges of the cover are received in the gap to selectively secure the cover on the game table, the height of the cover being substantially equal to the height of the gap.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to game tables, and in particular amulti-game table assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Watching and participating in sporting events and games is a popularpastime for many people. However, due to time, space and the number ofpeople needed for most such games, it is not always practical to arrangea full-scale game at any particular time. Moreover, due to the skill andphysical conditioning required, plus the potential injuries from manysuch games, individuals are not always prepared to participate in afull-scale game. Other factors such as weather have also been known tomake arranging games difficult. Accordingly, there has developed a needand market for indoor or smaller scale games, including recreationalgame tables such as for table soccer (sometimes called foosball), airhockey or field hockey, which can be played with less room and requirefewer people. Game tables allow the participants to simulate afull-sized game with fewer people, less space and in a protectedenvironment. Additionally, game tables for playing other popular pastimegames such as billiards are in demand. The game tables, for example, canbe set up in basements, garages, game rooms, backyards, gyms, partyfacilities or otherwise and are often played with two or four people.

Additionally, it may be desirable to convert between at least two gameswithin one multi-game table assembly. Improved systems and assembliesfor playing and converting between games such as billiards and airhockey are desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a game table assembly for playing the games ofbilliards and hockey comprises a game table including an hockey gameplaying surface and opposing hockey goals. The game table includes aplurality of billiard pockets and a plurality of billiard bumperspositioned between the pockets, the bumpers and the hockey game playingsurface defining a gap therebetween. Additionally, the game tableassembly includes a cover positionable over the hockey game playingsurface to create a billiards game playing surface. The periphery of thecover is configured to be received in the gap to selectively secure thecover on the game table, the height of the cover being substantiallyequal to the height of the gap.

In another embodiment, a game table assembly for playing at least twodifferent games comprises a game table having a perimeter frameextending above a first game playing surface for playing a first game.The frame includes inner sidewalls adjacent edges of the first gameplaying surface and inwardly extending bumpers positioned above thefirst game playing surface. Each of the inwardly extending bumpersincludes a lower face spaced above the first game playing surfacedefining a gap therebetween. The game table assembly further includes acover removably positionable over the first game playing surface tosubstantially cover the first game playing surface, wherein the coverincludes a second game playing surface for playing a second gamedifferent from said first game. The cover includes a peripheryconfigured to be received in the gap to removably secure the cover onthe game table.

In yet another embodiment, a game table assembly comprises a game tablehaving an air hockey game surface with openings for forced air, the gametable having a perimeter extending around and above the air hockey gamesurface. The game table assembly includes an air hockey puck, having aheight, for playing the game of air hockey. The perimeter of the gametable defines a slot extending around the air hockey game surface, theslot having a height greater than the height of the air hockey puck. Thegame table assembly further includes a second game surface arrangeableon the air hockey game surface, wherein the second game surface includesa periphery extending into the slot around the air hockey game surface.

In even another embodiment, a game table assembly comprises a game tablehaving at least a first playing surface, a plurality of billiardspockets, and a plurality of billiards bumpers arranged around the firstplaying surface between the pockets. The game table includes at least avertical sidewall portion perpendicular to the first playing surfaceextending between the first playing surface and the bumpers, with thebumpers extending inwardly from the vertical sidewall portion.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game table assembly according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a portion of a game table assemblyaccording to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a portion of a game table assemblyaccording to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a game table assembly according to theembodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a game table assembly according to theembodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a game tableassembly according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is another cross-sectional side view of a portion of a game tableassembly according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is even another cross-sectional side view of a portion of a gametable assembly according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated device, and such further applicationsof the principles of the invention as illustrated therein arecontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe invention relates.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, a multi-game tableassembly is provided with improved playing characteristics. The gametable is preferably for use with table games such as hockey andbilliards. Certain embodiments of the present invention include amulti-game table having a hockey playing surface as a base surface and acover configured to be placed over the hockey playing surface to createa billiards playing surface. Additionally, in certain embodiments, edgesof the cover are configured to fit within a gap created by the hockeyplaying surface and billiards bumpers positioned about the game table.

A standard game table includes a playing surface, held over a supportsurface, such as a floor, by a support structure such as one or morelegs or pedestals. The playing surface is often rectangular or round,but may be made in various geometric shapes. The playing surface is alsotypically substantially flat. In many instances, the playing surface issurrounded by a peripheral rail or raised portions of the game table,which typically functions to retain game pieces within the area of theplaying surface. The game pieces of the present invention are usablewith various types of games and/or game tables, which are consideredconventional for purposes of the present invention and are not describedherein in detail. Game tables may also include game status indicators,such as score displays and timer displays, mounted to the game tables.

FIG. 1 illustrates components of one embodiment of a game table assembly20 including a game table 21. Game table 21 is generally a standardstyle of game table including legs 22 supporting a table base 26. Tablebase 26, shown in FIG. 1 in a generally rectangular shape, is theprimary superstructure of game table 21. It should be appreciated thattable base 26 can include various shapes as would generally occur to oneskilled in the art, including circular, square, or polygonal asexamples. Legs 22 are standard support structures for a table, and may,for example, be four corner legs or one or more central pedestalssupporting the table base 26. In certain embodiments, game table 21includes a frame 28 mounted to the table base 26. Frame 28 surrounds andextends above a first game playing surface 40 a height sufficient toblock escape of a playing piece from the table. The frame can extend upfrom the table base and the game playing surface a sufficient height aswould occur to one skilled in the art, as a design choice for aparticular game. Frame 28 can be a standard frame made of metal, wood,laminate, particleboard, MDF or plastic.

First game playing surface 40 is configured to be integral with ormounted to frame 28 and be supported underneath by an appropriatesupport surface. First game playing surface 40 may be a hockey gameplaying surface configured for playing a typical hockey game. In certainembodiments, surface 40 may be an air hockey game playing surface havingair forced through holes in the surface. In certain other embodiments,surface 40 may be a “manual” hockey game playing surface with no forcedair. In the illustrated embodiment, game playing surface 40 includes agenerally rectangular shape. However, it should be appreciated that thegame playing surface can have various shapes, including circular,square, or polygonal as examples. Game playing surface 40 extends acrossthe area defined within frame 28 to form a playing area. In certainembodiments, game playing surface 40 is mounted to the frame or extendsto inner edges of the frame to eliminate gaps. Game playing surface 40may rest in place or can be attached using standard methods such asadhesive, friction, screws, bolts or other permanent or removableconnectors. The game playing surface may be appropriately sized andconfigured for the desired game of hockey. Game playing surface 40 maybe an appropriately shaped piece of material configured to be mountedover a support surface of frame 28. Certain materials suitable for gameplaying surface 40 include a durable plastic (such as a thickpolyethylene, Plexiglass®, or Formica®), wood or glass.

For playing the game of hockey, game playing surface 40 may include oneor more indicia 41 thereon, such as hockey puck position circles andother appropriate markings. Additionally, game table 21 may includeopposing goals 42 configured for passage of a game piece, such as ahockey puck. In such embodiments, goals 42 may be positioned midwayalong ends of the game table, the ends being substantially parallel towidth axis W.

For playing the game of billiards, game table 21 may include a pluralityof billiards pockets 45 and 46 and a plurality of bumpers 50. In certainembodiments, there are four billiards pockets 45 at the corner areas ofthe game table and two billiards pockets 46 midway along the sides ofthe table parallel to longitudinal axis L. In such embodiments, pockets45 and 46 are sized and configured for the passage of billiards balls.The billiards balls may pass through pockets 45 and/or 46 and optionallyreturn to one or more exit openings 47 through which a user of the gametable assembly may retrieve the balls. Additionally, in certainembodiments, there are six bumpers 50 positioned about a perimeter ofthe game table, extending between the billiards pockets. From anotherperspective, a single bumper may be positioned about a perimeter of thegame table, with the bumper divided into six portions extending betweenthe billiards pockets. During the game of billiards, the balls maycontact and rebound from bumpers 50. In certain embodiments, bumpers 50are integral portions of frame 28. In certain other embodiments, bumpers50 are mounted to frame 28 via standard connection and/or attachmentmethods. Bumpers 50 may be composed of wood, rubber or another suchappropriate material and may be optionally covered with a felt material.

In preferred embodiments, bumpers 50 are integral with frame 28 at aposition above first game playing surface 40, creating a peripheral gap52 between bumpers 50 and surface 40. In certain embodiments, gap 52 issized and configured to allow for a game piece such as a hockey puck tofreely travel in and out of gap 52 by sliding under bumpers 50 andbounce off frame 28 during play of a hockey game, as will be discussedin greater detail below. Additionally, for use of the game table forplaying hockey, a plurality of inserts 54 and 55 may be removablypositioned adjacent pockets 45 and 46, respectively, to prevent a hockeypuck from entering the pockets. Inserts 54, as best illustrated in FIG.2A, and inserts 55, as best illustrated in FIG. 2B, may include raisedportions 54 a and 55 a, respectively, to provide further protectionagainst a hockey puck entering and passing through pockets 45 and 46,respectively. Additionally, inserts 54 and 55 may include lower portions54 b and 55 b, respectively, configured to be at least partiallyreceived within gap 52 to removably retain inserts 54 and 55 on the gametable.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in certain embodiments, game table 21 mayalso include an electronic display 60 associated with table base 26and/or frame 28 for showing the status of a game being played on table21, for example such as the timing and scoring of the particular game.Additionally, a control box (not shown) may be operably connected togame table 21 for selecting various control functions and could includebuttons for turning the power on/off, a game selector button, a gamereset button, a score reset and/or adjust button, and/or otherappropriate buttons as would occur to one skilled in the art.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, game table assembly 20 includes a cover70 having a second game playing surface 72 on the upper face of cover70. Flexible cover 70 is positionable on first game playing surface 40so that a second game may be played on second game playing surface 72.Cover 70 is preferably sized and configured to substantially coversurface 40 and includes a shape which matches surface 40. In certainembodiments, second game playing surface 72 is a billiards game playingsurface to allow for the play of billiards within game table assembly20, as best illustrated in FIG. 4.

In such embodiments, inserts 54 and 55 may be removed from game playingsurface 40 and cover 70 may positioned over surface 40. Edges of cover70 may be positioned under bumpers 50 in peripheral gap 52, as will bediscussed in greater detail below, to removably secure cover 70 on thegame table and allow for the playing of billiards thereon. In suchembodiments, cover 70 is sized and configured to cover the entire ofsurface 40 and be sufficiently positioned in gap 52. If desired, a userof game table assembly 20 may remove flexible cover 70 to reveal firstgame playing surface 40 and switch play from the game of billiards tothe game of hockey, as best illustrated in FIG. 1. In certainembodiments, cover 70 comprises a rubber mat center substantiallycovered by a cloth material. However, it is contemplated that cover 70can be composed of other materials and/or be assembled differently.

In certain embodiments, cover 70 is a flexible shape-retaining coverwhich is configured to lie substantially flat on first game playingsurface 40. In such embodiments, cover 70 is configured to liesubstantially flat during the play of a game on second game playingsurface 70 and not to wrinkle or bend or otherwise deform away from thesubstantially flat configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, cover70 is sufficiently flexible to allow for the cover to be rolled up whennot in use, yet returns to a substantially flat configuration when inuse. In certain other embodiments, cover 70 is substantially rigid inform.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate a portion of game table assembly 20, andspecifically illustrate a cross-section of a gap 52. As illustrated,frame 28 extends above playing surface 40 and includes an inner sidewallsurface 52 a. In such embodiments, sidewall surface 52 a extends aroundplaying surface 40 and is generally perpendicular thereto. Bumpers 50extend inwardly from sidewall surface 52 a and may include angledcontact surfaces 50 a and horizontal lower face surfaces 50 b. Incertain embodiments, horizontal lower faces 50 b are substantiallyparallel to game playing surface 40. As illustrated, in certainembodiments, lower face surfaces 50 b, sidewall surface 52 a and playingsurface 40 together define three sides of a gap 52 having a gap heightG, with height G extending from surface 40 to lower face surfaces 50 b.In alternative embodiments, the angled contact surface could extend toeither the sidewall surface or the playing surface, creating an angledgap with a changing height across the gap area, the horizontal lowerface of the bumper being absent. In such alternative embodiments, thecover only partially occupies the angled gap area, the occupation of thecover defined by the position where the cover contacts the angledcontact surface.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, game table assembly 20 may include a hockeypuck 80 having puck height P. In certain embodiments, gap height G islarger than puck height P, such that hockey puck 80 may freely travel inand out of gap 52 to contact and bounce off sidewall surface 52 a duringthe play of a hockey game. During the play of an air hockey game, hockeypuck 80 may be slightly elevated above surface 40 due to forced airpassing through surface 40. In such embodiments, gap height G of gap 52remains sufficiently large to allow hockey puck 80, elevated abovesurface 40, to freely travel in and out of gap 52. Additionally, asillustrated in FIG. 7, cover 70 having second game playing surface 72for playing the game of billiards may include a billiards height B. Incertain embodiments, height B of cover 70 may be substantially equal toheight G of gap 52 such that cover 70 is selectively and removablyreceived in gap 52. To that end, it should be appreciated that incertain embodiments height B of cover 70 may be slightly larger thanheight G of gap 52, creating a compression fit of cover 70 in gap 52.Additionally, it should be appreciated that in certain otherembodiments, height B of cover 70 may be slightly smaller than height Gof gap 52, leaving a smaller gap between cover 70 and lower faces 50 bof billiards bumpers 50.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-7, the use and operation of game tableassembly 20 is as follows. In certain embodiments, the games of hockeyand billiards may both be played on game table assembly 20. When playingthe game of hockey on game playing surface 40, opposing players standadjacent the ends of the table parallel to width axis W. Players strikea game piece (not shown) such as a hockey puck in attempting to placethe game piece into a goal 42. During the play of a hockey game, inserts54 and 55 may be positioned adjacent pockets 45 and 46 to prevent thehockey puck from entering and passing into the pockets, as illustratedin FIG. 1. In certain embodiments, the game of air hockey may be playedon surface 40 of game table 21. In certain other embodiments, a manualhockey game may be played thereon.

As desired, game table assembly 20 may be converted so that the game ofbilliards may be played thereon. Accordingly, flexible cover 70 may bepositioned onto game playing surface 40 such that game playing surface72 is exposed and extends within frame 28 for playing billiards. Priorto positioning of cover 70 onto surface 40, inserts 54 and 55 may beremoved from surface 40, exposing billiards pockets 45 and 46. Incertain embodiments, edges of cover 70 about the periphery thereof maybe inserted and tucked into gap 52 to removably secure cover 70 onto thegame table, as best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7. When playing the gameof billiards, players travel about the perimeter of game table assembly20 striking billiards balls (not shown) attempting to urge the ballsinto one of the pockets 45 and/or 46. To convert to a hockey game, cover70 may be removed from the game table, exposing game playing surface 40,and inserts 54 and 55 may be positioned adjacent billiards pockets 45and 46 to prevent passage of the hockey puck therein.

Game table assembly 20 can be manufactured and assembled from standardmaterials. For example, the components may be wood, plastic or metalsuch as aluminum or steel. The game pieces used in connection with gametable assembly 20 may be standard or reduced sized. In certainembodiments, game table assembly 20 may be portable and/ordisassemblable. Additionally, in certain embodiments, game tableassembly 20 may be manufactured to include modular, lightweightcomponents to enhance the ease of transport, assembly and disassembly.In some embodiments, game table assembly 20 requires slight assembly. Incertain other embodiments, game table assembly 20 arrives assembled.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and thatall changes and modifications that come within the spirit of theinvention are desired to be protected.

1. A game table assembly for playing the games of billiards and hockey,comprising: a game table including a hockey game playing surface andopposing hockey goals; wherein said game table includes a plurality ofbilliard pockets and a plurality of billiard bumpers positioned betweensaid pockets, wherein said bumpers and said hockey game playing surfacedefine a peripheral gap therebetween, said gap having a height; a coverremovably positionable over said hockey game playing surface tosubstantially cover said hockey game playing surface and create abilliards game playing surface, wherein said cover includes a peripheryand said periphery is configured to be received in said gap, wherein theheight of said cover is substantially equal to the height of said gap.2. The game table assembly of claim 1, wherein said cover comprises arubber mat covered by a cloth material forming a billiards surface. 3.The game table assembly of claim 1, comprising a plurality of insertspositionable on said hockey game playing surface adjacent each of saidpockets to prevent a hockey puck from entering said pockets.
 4. The gametable assembly of claim 3, wherein each of said inserts includes a thinportion configured to be placed in said gap to temporarily secure saidinsert on said game table and a raised portion extending across saidcorresponding billiard pocket to prevent a hockey puck from enteringsaid pocket.
 5. The game table assembly of claim 1, comprising a hockeypuck, wherein a height of said hockey puck is smaller than the height ofsaid gap such that said hockey puck is allowed to freely travel in andout of said gap during play of a hockey game.
 6. The game table assemblyof claim 1, wherein said game table is air powered to force air throughopenings in said hockey game playing surface for playing the game of airhockey.
 7. A game table assembly for playing at least two differentgames, comprising: a game table having a perimeter frame and a firstgame playing surface for playing a first game, said frame extendingabove said first game playing surface; wherein said frame includes innersidewalls adjacent edges of said first game playing surface and inwardlyextending bumpers positioned above said first game playing surface,wherein each of said inwardly extending bumpers includes a lower facespaced above said first game playing surface defining a peripheral gaptherebetween, said gap having a height; and a cover removablypositionable over said first game playing surface to substantially coversaid first game playing surface, wherein said cover includes a secondgame playing surface for playing a second game different from said firstgame, wherein said cover includes a periphery and said periphery isconfigured to be received in said peripheral gap to removably securesaid cover on said game table.
 8. The game table assembly of claim 7,wherein said cover comprises a rubber mat covered by a cloth material.9. The game table assembly of claim 7, wherein a height of said cover issubstantially equal to the height of said gap.
 10. The game tableassembly of claim 7, wherein said first game playing surface is a hockeygame playing surface and said second game playing surface is a billiardsgame playing surface.
 11. The game table assembly of claim 10, whereinsaid game table includes a plurality of billiards pockets and theassembly includes a plurality of inserts positionable on said hockeygame playing surface adjacent said pockets when said cover is removed tosubstantially prevent a hockey puck from entering said pockets
 12. Thegame table assembly of claim 10, comprising a hockey puck having aheight, wherein the height of said hockey puck is smaller than height ofsaid gap such that said hockey puck is allowed to freely travel in andout of said gap and bounce off said sidewalls.
 13. A game tableassembly, comprising: a game table having an air hockey game surfacewith openings for forced air, said game table having a perimeterextending around and above said air hockey game surface; an air hockeypuck having a height; wherein said perimeter defines a slot extendingaround said air hockey game surface, said slot having a height greaterthan the height of said air hockey puck; and a second game surfacearrangeable on said air hockey game surface, wherein said second gamesurface includes a periphery extending into said slot extending aroundsaid air hockey game surface.
 14. The game table assembly of claim 13,wherein said second game surface is a billiards game surface.
 15. Thegame table assembly of claim 14, wherein said game table includes aplurality of billiards pockets and the assembly includes a plurality ofinserts positionable adjacent said pockets when said second game surfaceis removed to prevent said air hockey puck from entering said pockets.16. The game table assembly of claim 13, wherein said perimeter includesinwardly extending billiards bumpers positioned above said air hockeygame surface and vertical sidewalls adjacent edges of said air hockeygame surface, each bumper having a lower face positioned above said airhockey game surface, wherein said lower faces, said vertical sidewallsand said air hockey game surface define said slot.
 17. The game tableassembly of claim 13, wherein said second game surface comprises arubber mat covered by a cloth material.
 18. A game table, comprising: agame table having at least a first playing surface; a plurality ofbilliards pockets defined in said game table; a plurality of billiardsbumpers arranged around said first playing surface between said pockets;wherein said game table includes at least a vertical sidewall portionperpendicular to said first playing surface, extending between saidfirst playing surface and said bumpers, wherein said bumpers extendinwardly from said vertical sidewall portion.
 19. The game table ofclaim 18, wherein said vertical sidewall portion includes a height andsaid bumpers each include a lower horizontal face spaced above saidfirst playing surface by the height of said vertical sidewall portion.20. The game table of claim 18, wherein said bumpers and said firstplaying surface create a gap therebetween adjacent said verticalsidewall portion.